Montana Preserve America
Frequently Asked Questions
See also: www.preserveamerica.gov
- What are the benefits of Preserve America Community designation?
- Does Montana also offer Preserve America funding to designated Preserve America Communities?
- Are designated Preserve America Communities eligible to apply for both federal and state Preserve America funds?
- Can anyone in a designated Preserve America Community apply for grants?
- How can my community apply for Preserve America Community designation?
- What Montana communities have been designated Preserve America Communities?
- Does Preserve America Community designation mean properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places?
- Q: What are the benefits of Preserve America Community designation?
A: Preserve America was created in 2003 via a White House Initiative (First Lady Michelle Obama, honorary chair) to offer national recognition for a community's preservation and heritage tourism efforts. Designation also offers federal funding eligibility for Preserve America monies. See www.preserveamerica.gov.
- Q: Does Montana also offer Preserve America funding to designated Preserve America Communities?
A: Yes, depending upon funding availability. Currently, MT SHPO applied for and received Preserve America funding to subgrant to Montana Preserve America Communities for qualified planning projects.
- Q: Are designated Preserve America Communities eligible to apply for both federal and state Preserve America funds?
A: Yes. Designated Preserve America Communities are encouraged to apply for both funding sources. If requested, Montana SHPO can write a letter of support for your grant application. The national funding source offers more project categories than the state. Montana's funding comes from the national program and was granted under specific categories. See Montana SHPO's website for the most current funding opportunities. http://mhs.mt.gov/shpo.
- Q: Can anyone in a designated Preserve America Community apply for grants?
A: Designated Preserve America Communities and Neighborhoods, State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and Certified Local Governments that have applied for Preserve America Community designation are all eligible to apply for Preserve America grants. Individuals, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses are not eligible for funding but can assist a designated community in the grant application process and coordinate/host a funded project.
- Q: How can my community apply for Preserve America Community designation?
A: The Preserve America Community application is available at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/communities.html. The application must include a resolution by the applying community. A model resolution is available at the webpage above. Also, check out: Ideas for Preserve America Community Designation Applications. (attached). Communities must be designated a Preserve America Community to be eligible for funding.
- Q: What Montana communities have been designated Preserve America Communities?
A: As of November 1, 2010, there are 23 Preserve America Communities they are: Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Billings, Big Horn County, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Crow Tribe, Fort Benton, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Hill County, Jefferson County, Kalispell, Lewistown, Lewis and Clark County, Livingston, Miles City, Missoula, Missoula County, Stevensville, Red Lodge, Terry, and Virginia City. For the most up-to-date list, see http://www.preserveamerica.gov/PAcommunities.html.
- Q: Does Preserve America Community designation mean properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places?
A: No, Preserve America and National Register of Historic Places are different programs. The national Advisory Council on Historic Preservation reviews and designates Preserve America Communities, and administers the program's website. National Register listing is a separate program from Preserve America, has different eligibility criteria, and separate review processes. See www.nps.gov/nr. Property owners are always specifically notified before their properties are listed in the National Register.
